We invite buskers to participate in the festival’s Busking Competition and contribute to the liveliness of the town centre. Many local businesses also get into the spirit by dressing their shop windows and offering Celtic-themed products.
During the four days of the festival, the main street of Glen Innes comes to life as visitors and locals embrace the energy and atmosphere of exciting Celtic-themed celebrations.
In 2026, the festival will celebrate the Year of Scotland, so busking applicants whose performance shows a connection to these Celtic nations will be favoured.
Busking Application – Busking competition Friday 1 May 2026 from 9 am: Apply online in early 2026 before Friday1 May or on the day before midday at the Highlands Hub – 167 Grey St, Glen Innes.
Apply or enquire now: contact Council’s Tourism & Events Officer emailing [email protected] or phone (02) 6730 2403
Once we have received and processed your busking application, if successful, we will phone to discuss your availability before issuing your Busking Permit (via Glen Innes Severn Council) – we will then advise of your allocated busking location.
There will be cash prizes to be won – more details announced soon.
Please note:
Public Liability Insurance is required for busking, and you will be required to attach this to your application.
However, if you don’t have public liability insurance, we encourage you to still submit an application, and we will arrange alternatives for your performance.
Buskers under the age of 16 are required to provide a signed parental/guardian consent form prior to their busking permit being approved.
Applications now open right up to Midday Friday 2nd May!
Please fill in the online form below, or print and fill the PDF and email it to Council’s Tourism & Events Officer at [email protected] or phoning (02) 6730 2400.
The Australian Celtic Festival is held in Glen Innes Highlands, Ngarabul Country.
Glen Innes Severn Council acknowledges and pays respect to the Ngarabul people as the traditional custodians of this land, their elders past, present and emerging, and to Torres Strait Islander people and all First Nations people.